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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Removing Sucker Growth from African Sumac

Q. I have an African Sumac that has sprouts coming up
from the roots. Besides trimming them every time they get above the soil level
is there anything I can do to stop these sprouts from popping up?

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Suckers coming from tree rose. These should be removed from
the roots by pulling back the soil and pulling them if they are
young enough. If older they should be cut off below ground.

A. I think I have enough information to answer. If these
are naturally occurring “sprouts” and not coming from a damaged area then I
would say no. However, usually if you keep these suckers controlled as soon as
you see them and remove them at the trunk, not cutting them off with a shears,
the number should slow down considerably.

There
are chemicals you can apply that are sprout inhibitors but I don’t think you
have access to those chemicals as a consumer and not a professional. Besides,
even if you did have access to them they would probably be expensive for you
and a real pain to apply it. The best way to reduce the numbers is make a short
term commitment to remove them as soon as you see them. Remove them directly
from the trunk.

This may
mean you will have to remove some soil from the trunk and cut them as close to
the trunk as you can. As you see new sprouts a couple of inches long,
immediately pull them from the trunk.

If you
keep this up and do not let them get large before you remove them then I think
you will see a reduction in numbers and easier maintenance. I wish there was a
magic bullet for you but I doubt it.